Sambucus racemosa It has been used as a traditional medicinal plant by Native Americans. They were cooked in a variety of recipes by Native Americans, including by the Apache, Bella Coola, Gitxsan, Gosiute, Makah, Ojibwa, Quileute, Skokomish, Yurok peoples. -- The fruits are popular with birds, who also distribute the seeds. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Cultivation Sambucus racemosa is also cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a shrub or small tree in traditional and wildlife gardens, and natural landscape design projects. Elderberry bushes love a humid environment. Plant the elderberry bush into quality soil – the kind that you’d use in a vegetable garden – with good drainage.